Citing major-league sources, Rosenthal and Morosi reported that the two teams have had "extensive talks" and discussed the "framework" of a deal. The report mentions other teams that are still interested — the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cleveland Indians — but says that the Rangers are the "most motivated."

The 29-year-old Garza, who has been injury prone especially over the past year, remains the lone front-line starter available ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. In 11 starts this season, Garza is 6-1 with a 3.17 ERA with the Cubs. He has 62 strikeouts in just 71 innings pitched.

Despite a flurry of injuries to their pitching staff, the Rangers sit tied atop the American League Wild Card standings and just two games back of the Oakland Athletics in the AL West.